Native American Program

Description of the Event

The Dartmouth Pow-Wow serves as an opportunity for members of both the Dartmouth and Upper Valley communities to observe, participate, and learn from a broad representation of Native American Dances, music, and arts and crafts. Pursuant to the function of the Pow-Wow, three key elements need to be in place:

Drum Group

They are designated to sing the first song each day. The song can be viewed as an opening prayer offered before a gathering. It consists of ten members.

Woman Dancer

She is appointed to lead all dancers in and out of the dancing arena at the start and end of the Pow-Wow. She is appointed this great honor for her experience and age.

Man Dancer

He, along with the Head Woman Dancer, leads the contestants in the Grand Entry at the beginning of the Pow-Wow.

The Native Americans at Dartmouth (NAD) and Native American Program (NAP) have hosted the Dartmouth Pow-Wow since 1973. The Dartmouth Pow-Wow is recognized as a Dartmouth tradition, and has received positive recognition from across the United States. It has blessed the Dartmouth and neighboring communities with a lasting awareness of Native Americans and their culture, attracting over one-thousand on-lookers annually.